Civil Society Urges Restoration of Zewar-e-Taleem
Islamabad (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 07 Sep, 2026)
An advocacy forum titled “Restoring and Financing Zewar-e-Taleem: Safeguarding Girls’ Right to Secondary Education” was held in Lahore on 28 August, with generous financial support from the Malala Fund. The event brought together parliamentarians, government representatives, education officials, civil society organizations, girls’ education champions, and other stakeholders. The primary focus was on discussing the urgent need to revive and adequately fund the Zewar-e-Taleem Programme in Punjab.
Key Points:
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Importance of Zewar-e-Taleem: Participants emphasized that Zewar-e-Taleem has significantly contributed to supporting girls’ continuation in secondary education, especially for those from vulnerable and low-income families.
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Restoration and Financial Support: The forum demanded the immediate restoration of the programme and suggested increasing the monthly stipend from PKR 1,000 to PKR 3,000 to cater to rising education costs and provide financial aid to girls and their families.
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Personal Stories: Two girls’ education champions, Sabiha Alvi from Layyah and Mawra from Khanewal, shared their experiences, highlighting the challenges girls face in accessing and continuing their education due to financial constraints.
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Support from Education Officials: Dr. Nazia Karamat, District Education Officer (Elementary), supported the restoration of the programme, emphasizing its role in improving girls’ educational opportunities.
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Related Programme: Mr. Malik Bilal Awan from BISP AC-NSER, Punjab, highlighted the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif Programme, which provides educational stipends to children from eligible BISP beneficiary families, subject to school enrolment and attendance. He assured participants that the programme will continue in the coming year and that the budget is available to sustain it.
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Political Commitment: MPA Rukhsana Kausar expressed surprise at the discontinuation of the Zewar-e-Taleem Programme and made a commitment during the forum to support its restoration, ensuring continued support for girls’ education.
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Broader Benefits: Parliamentary Secretary for Specialized Healthcare, Rushda Lodhi, underscored the social and health advantages of girls’ secondary education, mentioning the risks of early marriage and limited awareness related to nutrition, maternal health, and child care for uneducated girls.
